HARRISBURG — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle), published as received.

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Zedan RaShwan, age 24, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, was charged on January 27, 2023, in a criminal information with wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the information alleges that RaShwan and his coconspirators used the stolen identities and DEA registration numbers of healthcare providers to order fraudulent prescriptions at various pharmacies.  RaShwan and his coconspirators obtained and distributed those prescription medications, which included the controlled substances Promethazine with Codeine, Hydrocodone, and Clonazepam.

“Distributing prescription drugs outside the legitimate supply chain puts consumers’ health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge George A. Scavdis, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who jeopardize the public health.”

“This individual used stolen identities to fraudulently obtain and sell dangerous drugs, fueling the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania,” said Acting Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry. “Thanks to the hard work and cooperation of our agencies, this defendant will be held accountable for his crimes. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to keep Pennsylvania safe and get these drugs out of our communities.”

The case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of the Inspector General, and by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the wire fraud conspiracy offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  The aggravated identity theft offense carries a mandatory two-year sentence of imprisonment that is to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Criminal informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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